Under the Influence
I have shared in 1mes past my posture on a very controversial subject among believers that should not even be controversial. There are those in our fellowship who feel we should loosen our stance on alcohol and allow moderate drinking. They say, “We are mature, and we can handle it. Besides, who will it hurt?” The glaring problem with this logic is that no one would ever become an alcoholic or get drunk, lose control of the car and kill someone, or beat their wife or children in a drunken rage if they had never taken that first drink. There is a lot of hermeneu1cal debate over the words used in the Bible for wine. We may not be able to sa1sfy everyone because of their par1cular lenses of interpreta1on. S1ll, the proof of the absolute need for complete abs1nence from drinking alcohol is seen in the consequences of its use.
The Centers for Disease Control and Preven1on says that over 178,000 people die each year because of sickness or disease that can be directly related to the use of alcohol (29% increase since 2021). Twenty people die each hour in America from alcohol abuse. Alcohol is the most common drug used by those under 21 in the U.S. The U.S. Library of Medicine says there are 4.9 million visits annually to local emergency rooms because of alcohol. There was an increase in death cer1ficates from alcohol by 35% increase from 2019 to 2021. An es1mated 37% of sexual assaults and rapes are commi[ed by offenders who are under the influence of alcohol. An es1mated 66% of vic1ms suffering from violence by a current or former spouse or partner report that the perpetrator had been drinking. Roughly 40% of child abusers have admi[ed to being under the influence of alcohol during the 1me of the offense. Nearly 40% of convicted murderers had used alcohol before or during the crime. Almost 10,000 people are killed annually on U.S. roadways due to alcohol-related accidents. Thousands more suffer from injuries due to intoxicated drivers. Close to 70% of alcohol-related violent acts occur in the home. Don’t tell me drinking alcohol doesn’t harm anyone.
I’ve heard it said, “We are free to choose because the Bible doesn’t condemn moderate (social) drinking.” “Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking” (Romans 12:2, The Message). We should not ask ourselves “Can a Chris1an drink?” but “Should a Chris1an drink?” “It is be[er not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall” (Romans 14:21). In his le[ers to the Roman and Corinthian churches, the Apostle Paul writes nearly three chapters to explain that even though believers may have a personal understanding of things permissible to God, they must not allow that understanding to cause other brothers or sisters to stumble and fall (Romans 14, 15; 1 Corinthians 8). Here is another thing to consider: Wine, usually diluted, was more a staple of ancient life with 1ny amounts of alcohol. Alcoholic beverages today are more recrea1onal beverages. Alcohol as we know it today, “strong drink,” contains up to 45 1mes more alcohol in it than during the New Testament era. Dis1lling of alcohol wasn’t even discovered un1l around 1200 AD. Understand that during the days in the Bible, water was mainly impure, and wine was added to water as a “purifier” to kill the germs in it. Why would we want to open the door to not only sadden God’s heart and shun the Holy Spirit through an undisciplined life exhibi1ng a lifestyle that would poten1ally destroy those we love? As believers, our lives should model Christ in ALL AREAS. We live in “perilous 1mes,” and the evil one wants to make the body of Christ weak and diminish her tes1mony.
Our Assemblies of God Posi1on Paper on Abs1nence reads: "Abs1nence is relevant to the whole priesthood of believers; those involved in the holy calling of ministry bear a special responsibility of example." Jesus warned His disciples, as well as all who would live between their 1me and the end 1me, "Take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life . . . .Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man" (Luke 21:34, 36, NKJV). As we watch and pray for the return of Jesus, our senses should be as sharp and clear as they can be. Abs1nence is a moral choice. It glorifies God, protects the individual, honors fellow believers, preserves families, unifies the church, and blesses society. Abs1nence reflects the direct and indirect moral principles of the Word of God. Abs1nence is not moral legalism but Chris1an discipleship, which inherently involves self-denial in following Christ. "The underlying sensibility is taking care of your neighbor, taking care of your family, trying to be a good role model, and not being a stumbling block." Abs1nence is not grounded in legalism but in the highest moral a[ribute of love. Therefore, the Assemblies of God reaffirms its posi1on of abs1nence from alcoholic beverages. The posi1on of abs1nence should be proclaimed boldly and clearly throughout our Fellowship, yet humbly and lovingly in faithful ministry to all."
In our fellowship, creden1aled ministers commit to ABSTINENCE when they sign for creden1als. I sincerely believe that we are to be under the influence, BUT not alcohol—under the Influence of the Holy Spirit. Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:18, “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” Much more could be said on this subject, but I close in love with, “The Holy Spirit is the only SPIRIT we should be influenced by.” Your example ma[ers!
MICHAEL D. SHARP, D.MIN.
NETWORK SECRETARY-TREASURER
A MAN OF LAWLESSNESS
God has made clear the character and behavior that pleases him and that which displeases him. Jesus the Christ, the Son of God, pleased the Father perfectly. That character and behavior which is like Jesus pleases God. For the follower of Jesus, Christlike character and behavior are the expression of our salvation, the evidence of the Holy Spirit in us, actively conforming us to the image of Christ. Character and behavior that is like the Lord Jesus is what God desires, something God approves, no matter where it is found.
In Jesus we see the character of the Father: We see holiness and love, truth and justice, humility and obedience, leaving a throne of power for a cross of sacrifice, laying down his life for others. When we see these things, we see the character which God approves. When we see someone, particularly a leader, living such a life, we see someone worthy of imitation, worthy of our loyalty and service. Do the leaders you admire and support exhibit Christlike character and behavior? Are they people of integrity, humility, honesty, and the other traits mentioned above? Who I admire and support reveals my own values, desires, aspirations, character, and potential behavior. Whether in the church or in the world, do I admire and support leaders who are like Christ, or do I admire and support leaders who are more like an antichrist?
God has made clear the character and behavior that are the opposite of his own. Behold the man of lawlessness, the man of rebellion against God. His character and behavior are exactly the opposite of the Father and the Son. He is a man of great arrogance and rebellion, exalting himself above all others. He loves himself above all things, he loves his pleasures, he is filled with greed and with lust, he craves power and authority, he is full of boasting and great claims, his mouth is full of lies, deception, and manipulation, he craves adulation from the crowds, the devotion and worship that belong to God alone. Like the Caesars of Rome, he promises deliverance from enemies, salvation for those who will pledge their loyalty to him, and he heaps threats, ridicule, and vindictive derision on all who oppose him. His words produce fear, confusion, hostility, anger, hatred, and violence. Do you see this man of lawlessness in the leaders you admire, you follow, you support? Your favorite preacher, your favorite politician? Such a man is godless, he is devilish, he is at war with the One True God, he is an antichrist. Why would I ever admire or support such a person, whether in the church or in the world? (Psalm 1, Daniel 7-9, 11, 2 Thess 2, 1 John 2, 4, Gal 5, 1 Cor 6)
When I do, I reveal that my character and my potential behavior are becoming like this man of lawlessness, this antichrist. I reveal that something has destroyed my discernment, clouded my ability to see evil for what it is, stolen my ability to see through the lies and deception of the enemy of God. My idols have blinded me, deafened me, deluded me. My words and deeds will soon be angry, hostile, degraded. If against the light of Scripture’s clarity, and against the truth of Christ’s humility, I harden my heart and refuse to love the truth, God may turn me over to delusion that I might believe lies and be condemned.
My friend, are you admiring, supporting, following people whose characters and behaviors are like Christ’s? Or are your heroes, leaders, and friends people of lawlessness and hatred, the opposite of Jesus in every way? May God move quickly and powerfully in his church to destroy all idols that would deceive his people and lead them astray from love, truth, humility, and devotion to Christ and his Kingdom.
ENGAGE
Fall Retreat
Churches, It’s not too late to join us for our Engage Fall Retreat at Springville Camp and Conference Center. It’s going to be a powerful moment as women from across our district join together to worship, be inspired, build relationships, and so much more!
Pastors, encourage your ladies to be with us September 12-14. CLC Birmingham is ready to lead us into worship and Pastor Beth Stephens-Johnson will bring the word in a dynamic way. Our team can’t wait to see you there! Call or email our office if you have any questions.
With love, Cyndi
ONE BURMA DAY
We invite you to join us on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at Ross Bridge Golf Club in Hoover, AL for our Burma Bible College Golf Tournament. This event will raise money to scholarship students to attend Bible School with plans to become pastors and church planters.
September 19-21, 2024
BOOK REVIEWS – ANSWERING CRITICAL QUESTIONS WELL
The world has always asked Christians critical questions on certain major topics. From New Testament times forward, the church has often offered more than one possible answer. Today, busy Christians often need “shortcuts” to understanding these topics, but we need more than simplistic answers and glib clichés. One of our best resources is Zondervan’s Counterpoints Series. Each book examines one important issue on which genuine Christians disagree. In each book, the main perspectives are presented and critiqued. The strengths and weaknesses of each are examined This series is the best way for busy pastors to be well informed on these issues and teach people wisely. The books are easy reading for ministers and lay leaders. Almost all views in this series can be found among evangelical and Pentecostal scholars and believers.
Are Miraculous Gifts for Today? - Four Views, edited by Wayne Grudem, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996, 368 pages. The issue of the Spirit’s continuing supernatural ministry is a question of critical importance for the church. This volume examines this issue in detail. The four major positions are examined: Cessationist (the supernatural moving of the Spirit has ceased), Open But Cautious (the Spirit can sovereignly move as He wills, but it should not normally be expected), Third Wave (all spiritual gifts may be present), and Pentecostal (by Dr. Doug Oss). Only Oss affirms the classical Pentecostal doctrines of subsequence and evidential tongues-speech. Pentecostals should own this outstanding volume!
Four Views on Hell, edited by William Crockett, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996, 192 pages. This volume examines three of the major perspectives on Hell within the Church: 1) Hell is a place of conscious torment in eternal fire; 2) Hell is a place of conscious eternal punishment that is described using the metaphor of fire; 3) Hell is a place of temporary punishment where the souls of the wicked are eventually annihilated. The doctrine of Purgatory is then explored in a final section The first three views have long been found in orthodox, evangelical churches. Another good related work is Two Views of Hell: A Biblical & Theological Dialogue, by Edward Fudge and Robert Peterson, Westmont: IVP Academic, 2000, 228 pages.
Three Views on Creation and Evolution, edited by J. P. Moreland and John Mark Reynolds, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010, 304 pages. This volume examines the three perspectives on creation in the evangelical church: 1) Young Earth Creationism – God created everything about 6,000 years ago; 2) Old Earth Creationism – God created the cosmos billions of years ago, and specially created different species over millions of years; 3) Evolutionary Creationism – God created the cosmos billions of years ago, and ultimately created all life through the process of guided evolution. The various legitimate options for interpreting Genesis and science are examined and critiqued. An excellent related volume is Four Views on the Historical Adam, edited by Matthew Barrett and Ardel Caneday, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2013, 288 pages. All the authors for both volumes are evangelical Christians. All views presented are found among evangelicals and Pentecostals.
Three Views on The Millennium and Beyond, edited by Darrell Bock, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010, 336 pages. This volume examines the three classical eschatological views on the Millennium: 1) Premillennialism – the belief that Christ will return, establish an earthly millennial reign, and then the final end will come; 2) Amillennialism – the belief that Christ now reigns over His Church and creation, and at His return the final judgment, the transformation of all things, and the new heavens and new earth will be consummated; 3) Postmillennialism – the Church will preach the gospel, disciple the nations, and establish God’s Kingdom, then Christ will return and the final end will come. The first two positions are compatible with imminence. A good related volume is Four Views on the Book of Revelation, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010, 256 pages. All views presented in both books are orthodox and are found among evangelicals and Pentecostals.
Michael D. Sharp, D.Min., Network Secretary-Treasurer, ALSOM Director
a. Salvation.
b. Baptism in the Holy Spirit with the initial physical evidence of speaking in other tongues.
c. Evidence of call.
d. Christian character.
Credentialing Basic Qualifications
e. Doctrinal position. A thorough understanding of and agreement with our doctrinal position as contained in the Statement of Fundamental Truths.
The following qualifica1ons pertain to all applicants for ministerial recogni1on:
a. Salva1on.
The following qualifications pertain to all applicants for ministerial recognition:
b. Bap1sm in the Holy Spirit with the ini1al physical evidence of speaking in other tongues.
a. Salvation.
c. Evidence of call.
f. Assemblies of God polity. A satisfactory working knowledge of the principles, practices, and purposes of the Fellowship through a study of the General Council and district council Constitution and Bylaws.
b. Baptism in the Holy Spirit with the initial physical evidence of speaking in other tongues.
d. Chris1an character.
c. Evidence of call.
e. Doctrinal posi1on. A thorough understanding of and agreement with our doctrinal posi1on as contained in the Statement of Fundamental Truths.
g. Voluntary cooperation and commitment to the Fellowship. An active loyalty to our constitutional agreements, a cooperative spirit, and a readiness to seek and receive the counsel of older mature Christians and those in positions of authority.
d. Christian character.
h. Basic education requirements.
f. Assemblies of God polity. A sa1sfactory working knowledge of the principles, prac1ces, and purposes of the Fellowship through a study of the General Council and district council Cons1tu1on and Bylaws.
e. Doctrinal position. A thorough understanding of and agreement with our doctrinal position as contained in the Statement of Fundamental Truths.
i. Mandatory screening. All applicants for ministerial credentials shall be screened through a designated screening agency established by the Executive Presbytery.
g. Voluntary coopera1on and commitment to the Fellowship. An ac1ve loyalty to our cons1tu1onal agreements, a coopera1ve spirit, and a readiness to seek and receive the counsel of older mature Chris1ans and those in posi1ons of authority.
h. Basic educa1on requirements.
f. Assemblies of God polity. A satisfactory working knowledge of the principles, practices, and purposes of the Fellowship through a study of the General Council and district council Constitution and Bylaws.
i. Mandatory screening. All applicants for ministerial creden1als shall be screened through a designated screening agency established by the Execu1ve Presbytery.
g. Voluntary cooperation and commitment to the Fellowship. An active loyalty to our constitutional agreements, a cooperative spirit, and a readiness to seek and receive the counsel of older mature Christians and those in positions of authority.
j. Marriage status. We disapprove of any married persons holding ministerial credentials with the Assemblies of God if either marriage partner has a former spouse living, unless the divorce is recognized under one of the following biblical categories: (1) Recognition of preconversion divorce; (2) Recognition of abandonment of the believer by the unbeliever; (3) Recognition of spousal infidelity; (4) Recognition of domestic violence by a spouse to a spouse or child; (5) Recognition of ecclesiastical annulment—a pronouncement declaring a marriage invalid as hereinafter provided
h. Basic education requirements.
j. Marriage status. We disapprove of any married persons holding ministerial creden1als with the Assemblies of God if either marriage partner has a former spouse living, unless the divorce is recognized under one of the following biblical categories: (1) Recogni1on of preconversion divorce; (2) Recogni1on of abandonment of the believer by the unbeliever; (3) Recogni1on of spousal infidelity; (4) Recogni1on of domes1c violence by a spouse to a spouse or child; (5) Recogni1on of ecclesias1cal annulment—a pronouncement declaring a marriage invalid as hereinauer provided
k. Eligibility of women. The Scriptures plainly teach that divinely called and qualified women may also serve the church in the ministry of the Word.
i. Mandatory screening. All applicants for ministerial credentials shall be screened through a designated screening agency established by the Executive Presbytery.
k. Eligibility of women. The Scriptures plainly teach that divinely called and qualified women may also serve the church in the ministry of the Word.
jharris@amnag.org 334-279-7172 Ext
j. Marriage status. We disapprove of any married persons holding ministerial credentials with the Assemblies of God if either marriage partner has a former spouse living, unless the divorce is recognized under one of the following biblical categories: (1) Recognition of preconversion divorce; (2) Recognition of abandonment of the believer by the unbeliever; (3) Recognition of spousal infidelity; (4) Recognition of domestic violence by a spouse to a sp ; (5) Recognition of ecclesiastical annulment a pronouncement declaring a m d as hereinafter provided
In Loving Memory of Rev. Artis Thomas
Rev. Ar1s Watson Thomas, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, brother, and uncle lost his ba[le with Vascular Demen1a on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at the age of 77. He was preceded in death by his parents Coy and Orrie Lee Thomas and his oldest sister Marilyn Thomas Schofield. Survived by his wife of 48 years, Dot Thomas (of whom he loved very much), daughter, Ashley Thomas Ramkissoon (Tommy Ramkissoon); grandchildren, Alexis, Tate, and Makayla Ramkissoon. He also has a younger brother Leroy Thomas (Barbara Thomas) and a younger sister Edna "ET" Thomas. He was an uncle to Mona Lisa Hall (Charles Hall), Nick Schofield, Chris Thomas, and Jennifer Thomas.
k. f women. The Scriptures plainly teach that divinely called and qualified women m the church in the ministry of the Word.
Ar1s loved his family and church family dearly. He enjoyed going to the Respite Ministry which he called "his school." He was a faithful member of First Assembly of God for over 37 years. At First Assembly, he was kitchen supervisor for over 20 years, Sunday School teacher, Sunday School superintendent and assistant superintendent, Royal Ranger leader, helped with Bible Quiz, youth leader, men's ministry, ac1ve in Happy Hearts, choir member, and played the organ and piano, and accordion. In other churches Ar1s was a youth and children's pastor he was ordained as a minister in the Assemblies of God on April 15, 1987. He served his country in the Army Na1onal Guard for over 40 years.
jharris@amnag.org 334-279-7172 Ext 103
Our new schedule layout is below. ALSOM students may take any cou rses needed during each quarter.
Quarter 1
January – March
Courses Open for Purchase: January 1
Last Day to Purchase: March 10th
Tests Must be Submitted by March 31st
Quarter 2
April – June
Courses Open for Purchase: April 1
Last Day to Purchase: June 10th
Tests Must be Submitted by June 30th
Quarter 3
July – September
Courses Open for Purchase: July 1
Last Day to Purchase: September 10 th
Tests Must be Submitted by September 30 th
Quarter 4
October – December
Courses Open for Purchase: October 1
Last Day to Purchase: December 10th
Tests Must be Submitted by December 31 st
Each quarter, we will post our entire ALSOM catalog for purchase. The courses required for each level of credentialing are listed below.
Level One (Certified)
BIB 214 Old Testament Survey
BIB 212 New Testament Survey
BIB 121 Introduction to Hermeneutics: How to Interpret the Bible
BIB 114 Christ in the Synoptic Gospels
THE 211 Introduction to Theology
THE 114 Introduction to Pentecostal Doctrine
THE 152 Assemblies of God History, Missions, and Governance
MIN 171 A Spirit-Empowered Church: An Acts 2 Ministry Model
MIN 181 Relationships and Ethics in Ministry
MIN 191 Beginning Ministerial Internship
Level Two (Licensed)
BIB 115 Acts: The Holy Spirit at Work in Believers
BIB 117 Prison Epistles
BIB 215 Romans: Justification by Faith
THE 245 Eschatology: A Study of Things to Come
MIN 123 The Local Church in Evangelism
MIN 223 Introduction to Homiletics
MIN 251 Effective Leadership
MIN 261 Introduction to Assemblies of God Missions
MIN 281 Conflict Management for Church Leaders
MIN 291 Intermediate Ministerial Internship
Level Three (Ordained)
THE 311 Prayer and Worship
BIB 313 The Corinthian Correspondence
BIB 318 The Pentateuch
BIB 322 The Poetic Books
MIN 325 Preaching in the Contemporary World
MIN 327 Church Administration, Finance, and Law
MIN 381 Pastoral Ministry
MIN 391 Advanced Ministerial Internship
To enroll in an ALSOM course, please visit https://alsom.edvance360.com/. Across the top of the page, you will see several tabs. Click on “Store” to purchase a course. Once you add a course to your cart and proceed to check out, you will be prompted to login. If you are a first -time user, you will be asked to enter your email information. After you complete your purchase, an email will be sent to you to create a username and password. When you purchase the course, you will receive access to the course. To access the course, click on the tab “Courses.” This is where you will do all the work for your course. Each course has a pdf textbook. Some courses have additional content such as video lectures, PowerPoint presentations, and additional reading. Your test will come from content from all sources.
MINISTERIAL UPDATES
